Best Gravity Water Filters

Best Gravity Water Filters Reviews, Tips & Buying Guides

Buying Guides – How To Choose The Best Gravity Water Filters?

Contaminants Removed

If you’re wondering if your camping water filter can pull out all the harmful contaminants in your drinking water then look under its features. You should already have an idea of what it’s capable of doing so just check to see that there are no additional filters needed to be purchased before using it out.

Flow Rate

Some gravity water filters already have a certain flow rate so take this into consideration before buying one. You need to know how much it can filter per minute or you’ll end up wasting more time than usual when using the product.

Filter Effectiveness

There are some gravity water filters that aren’t as effective especially when you take into consideration the price that was paid for it. It’s important to check if there are filters included or if any additional ones need to be purchased before testing it out.

Treatment Capacity

You can rate your camping water filter by how much treatment capacity it has since this is what will keep you safe from getting sick while on an adventure. You may want to choose a larger one so it doesn’t get filled up quickly which would mean that you’ll have to wait longer for clean drinking water.

Type Of Filter Media

It’s also wise to check what kind of filter media they’re using if you want something that works effectively. Most of the time, they choose ceramic or carbon so just make sure that it will be able to remove any contaminants in your drinking water.

Construction & Design

The metal or plastic used for its construction will also depend on your needs so it’s important to know exactly what you’re looking for before buying one. If you want something light but still made of high quality materials then look into smaller versions that are meant to be carried around.

Color Choice

Depending on where you plan to go, color can mean a lot especially if there’s an emergency since it tells them how long the filter has been used. Usually, they choose red because it shows that water has already passed through the filter which means it can stay longer inside without getting damaged. Even though this is helpful information, make sure that you check the instructions first before doing anything.

Filter Lifespan

When buying a gravity camping water filter, you might want to check its lifespan as well since it all depends on the materials used for its construction. Carbon filters usually only last for about 300 gallons or 3 months. On the other hand, ceramic ones can work well with 1,000s of gallons and even up to a year depending on how long you plan to use them.

Filter Replacement Frequency

This also depends on the type of filter media that they’re using so if you want something that doesn’t require much maintenance then go with ceramic or carbon. If you think that this will work for you then look into smaller versions instead to save money in the long run.

Filter Mesh Size

The mesh size is also important especially when thinking about how dirty it might be before using it out. Usually, they choose microns around 0.2-0.3 which can catch sediments and bacteria but not viruses (for these, you would need to boil your water). If there are some large particles getting caught inside then make sure that there’s a prefilter included or buy another version instead.

Chamber Material

It’s best to go for something made of plastic since it can withstand pressure and will be easier to use. However, you don’t want to purchase a cheap version that will fall apart sooner or worse, break while you’re filtering water. It’s also important to check if the filter is rustproof since they’re most likely placed in moist environments which is dangerous for metals.

Gravity Systems Flow Rate

There are some smaller versions that can only filter up to 2 liters of water per hour which isn’t enough for a large group of people. Others can hold several gallons of water and can work well with larger groups especially when you’re out on an adventure.

Storage Tank Capacity 

The size of the storage tank also depends on how long you will be using it for since smaller ones can only hold a few liters. They’re generally meant to be used for short term camping excursions but larger versions can hold more water for longer periods.

Size

When it comes down to choosing the right gravity camping water filter, you might want to consider which size will work well for you and your group. If they tend to go on treks regularly then nothing is wrong with investing in a larger one (just make sure that you know how much space it needs before buying). If you’re looking into something that weighs less then check out versions like travel filters instead.

Portability 

If you plan to camp in the wilderness then it’s important to get something that will still fit inside your backpack so look into smaller versions instead. If you want something lighter, portable and easy to use then get models that are only 6-8 inches wide.

Materials

Since the materials used for construction tend to be an important feature, you will need to consider some of these aspects first before looking at anything else. Look into models that are made of stainless steel and can be easily cleaned without rusting or corroding over time.

Ease Of Use

Make sure that the water filter is convenient and easy to use. You don’t want something that requires too much time or effort when it’s time for a drink of water since you’ll get thirsty after hiking for hours on end.

Versatility

Since there are some smaller versions that can only be used for camping or other smaller activities, it’s important to look into something versatile enough to use at home or wherever you need it. You want a water filter that is lightweight and easy to carry around without too much hassle so check the dimensions before anything else.

Performance

This also depends on the type of materials used and how well they can filter everything out from your water. Usually, they perform best with clear and clean-looking water (not too muddy) so make sure that there’s no dirt or debris before using this version. Check what microns it uses and if it can filter chemicals without letting them through as well.

Price

Depending on how often you travel or where you go, gravity camping water filters can be pretty expensive but if you know what to look for then it won’t break the bank. Think about getting one that has a better flow rate and can work well with larger groups of people since these tend to cost more than other options. This way, everyone can make their own cup while filtering water which will save time and money too!

Warranty

If something goes wrong while using this version then it’s best to look into their warranty policies. Usually, they provide 2-3 years of coverage and will help with free replacements if anything happens while it’s still under warranty protection.

 

FAQs

What Is A Gravity Water Filter?

A gravity water filter is a type of filtration system that can be used when you’re in the wilderness or even when there’s no electricity in sight. These are created to meet the basic demands for safe drinking water for people who are living in less-developed areas.

Since it needs only natural resources, this is beneficial for campers and hikers who want something simple yet effective somewhere along their hike. It doesn’t require any electrical power which means that all they have to do is prepare their ingredients, let them settle in beforehand before having access to clean drinking water easily.

How Do You Use A Gravity Filter?

Don’t forget that the water will only run when you’re ready to fill up your jugs or containers. You can choose to use any container that you want but make sure it’s clean and doesn’t have any impurities within the materials themselves.

As for how you’ll set it up, here are some things:

• Fill Up The Container – Choose a container and fill it up with dirty or non-potable water. You can also find sources in streams, rivers where they normally take place so if this is an open area then this kind of filtration system should be perfect for such places. Just remember to boil them before drinking just in case because sites may have parasites that might cause harm to humans.
• Screw On The Filter – Make sure that the filter is firmly attached to the container. Apply pressure just to make sure that it won’t fall off when you’re collecting water.
• Hold Your Containers Underneath – Now hold your jugs underneath the mesh filter basket. Don’t touch it because if the cloth or material gets torn then you’ll have a hard time cleaning it up later on. Make sure that everything stays in place for now.
• Uncap The Water Spigot – Once your gravity filter is set up, you can now unscrew the cap of the water spigot and let gravity do its job. Give it some time before filling up another container with filtered water that’s now safe to drink.

As you can see, gravity camping water filters are easy to use but there will be instances when you’ll need help. It all comes down to what kind of terrain you’re in and how familiar you are with the area. If it doesn’t look like it has good sources of water nearby then picking one is probably not a bad idea at all. You also have the option of using special tubing if your source isn’t too far away from where you’re trying to set up camp or hang out.

How Effective Are Gravity Filters?

It all comes down to the quality of the materials that were used when making this kind of camping water filter. If there are impurities or particles around then it needs to separate them in order for you to get the most out of your product. Other than that, gravity filters can remove harmful chemicals and even parasites so you don’t have anything to worry about when using these products if they’re made by reputable manufacturers. Gravity filters are also lightweight so anyone can carry one with them when they go on an adventure which is great because too much equipment may lead to disaster.

Who Should Use A Gravity Water Filter? 

Any camper who doesn’t want too much fuss when setting up camp should go for this kind of water filter. It’s easy to use and because it uses gravity, anyone can do it without having any prior knowledge on how these kinds of filters work. For those who are looking for something that doesn’t take up too much space then the compact design should be enough.

Why Choose A Gravity Water Filter?

If you’re wondering why you should choose this over other filtering systems, here are some reasons why:

• It Has A Lot Of Applications – Since this is ideal for backpackers, hikers or campers, they’ll find a way to make the most out of their investment. They don’t need electricity nor does it require too many resources in order to get running so if they’re willing to rough it out a bit, this should be more than enough for them to get started.
• It Comes With A Carry Strap – This makes the filter easier to transport so you wouldn’t have too much of a problem carrying it around even if nothing is helping you. If you think about the portability of the product during your purchase, then this should be one of your top priorities because it will come in handy later on.
• There Are Very Few Parts – Camping can already be difficult without having complicated products that need special handling and care just so they’ll work. As long as users follow certain instructions, they shouldn’t have any problems using this kind of filtration system. The design is also intuitive so there isn’t a need for pressure or anything else when you’re in the wilderness.
• It’s Lightweight – We already know that carrying too much weight can cause problems when you’re in a terrain where help is hard to come by so it’s best if you choose something lightweight. Hikers, backpackers and even campers have been known to complain about water filters being heavy but because gravity filters only have a few parts, this should be easier for anyone who wants to take their equipment with them wherever they go.
• It Can Produce 40 Gallons Per Day – Since this uses gravity as its main power source, users won’t get tired of lugging them around anymore since there is no need for electricity. Depending on the capacity of your water container, you’ll be able to collect at least 40 gallons per day. If there are too many impurities within the water then this number may decrease but that’s only if the source is really dirty.

What Are The Most Trusted Gravity Water Filter Brands? 

 To make it easier for you to look into the different kinds of brands that are available, here are some of them:

• Sweetwater – This brand has been around since the early 70s and they’re known for having gravity water filters that have a good filtration system. They also only work with high-quality materials so you know they won’t let anything bad get inside your container. Their products are lightweight yet durable so you wouldn’t have any problems bringing them wherever you go. The downside is, their prices can be higher than other brands but on the bright side, they do come with some accessories that may be useful later on.
• MSR – Another reliable company that’s been creating camping products since 1971 is MSR. They have a lot of gravity water filters that are lightweight and easy to carry around if needed. Some are also collapsible so you won’t have any problem setting them up for next time. The downside is, they can be expensive but some models are pretty affordable.
• Platypus – This brand has been creating camping products for years now so you know they have the resources to create quality ones. If you want more durability then this may be perfect, especially on its filters which come with special materials that aren’t easily damaged by the sun or temperature change. The downside is, their products do cost more than other brands but it’s worth the investment in the long run.
• Katadyn – This brand has been around since the early 80s and they’re popular for their camping water filters. They have a lot of reliable products that are easy to use so you won’t have any problems setting them up. The downside is, most of their products are expensive but it can be worth it if you’re going out with a large group of people.
• Aquamira – These guys specialize in creating lightweight gravity water filters that work perfectly for emergency purposes or survival situations. Their products may look plain, some even come as simple as a small plastic bottle but don’t let its looks fool you because they do make high-quality ones as well. The downside is, sometimes, finding replacement parts can be difficult so always have a backup ready.

How Much Does A Gravity Filter Cost?

Most gravity water filters will come with a price tag of around $20 – $80 depending on your needs and what kind of materials the filter uses. Some models can even be as low as $15 or as high as $120 so it’s best to do some research first before buying one. It would also help if you already have an idea on where you’re going because that way, you’ll know how much a model will cost beforehand.

What Is The Best Gravity Water Filter System?

 Here are some of the highest rated ones you can choose from:

• Platypus GravityWorks – Not only does this water filter use gravity but it also has a pre-filter that’s built within the nozzle. The best part about this is, it comes with an inline storage bag so you can easily store your water even if there’ll be rain coming in. The downside is, although collapsible, the filters aren’t easy to replace or remove. You may need help for that.
• MSR Guardian – This one doesn’t come with a strap nor does it require any special attachments like hoses but all you have to do is hang it using its own clip and let gravity do its job. The best part about this is, it can filter up to 1 liter per minute. Not only that, but the filters are easy to replace and remove, although back-flushing may be necessary sometimes.
• Katadyn Hiker – Although this one looks like a basic gravity water filter at first glance, you’ll quickly realize that its design is so much more than meets the eye. Inside of it is two different kinds of filters with the primary being able to eliminate all kinds of bacteria while its secondary function can easily remove 99% of protozoa as well. It’s easy to use, especially if you have no experience with them before. A downside is, for some people, having their own bottle or container can be helpful.
• Aquamira Frontier – Although this one is similar to Platypus GravityWorks, the difference here is that this one uses carbon in its filter instead of pre-filter material. The downside is, it doesn’t come with any filling bags or bottles but you can always order them separately if needed. It does filter around 1 liter every 2 minutes though so it’s still pretty fast.

How Do You Clean A Gravity Water Filter?

Here are some tips to follow when cleaning your filter:

• Use cold water if possible: Using cold water is the best thing you can do for it because that way, you can extend its lifespan. Although hot water will be able to melt away dirt and other particles easier, using cold water will help prevent any damage to the pores on your filter’s microfiber material.
• Do not disassemble the entire thing until needed: This one is important because this way, you’ll have a hard time putting it back together again if anything goes wrong with it. To properly clean it though, use cotton swabs or cloths that are lightly dampened in warm soapy water then let them soak for a while. You can also use other brushes or soft bristled bottle brushes to get rid of the smallest particles trapped in the pores.
• Never run water through it while it’s disassembled! After cleaning, it’s best to let your filter dry out for several hours before using it again because that way, you’ll avoid getting any residue or dirt build up inside. If you’re in a hurry though, just hold down the air valve and blow air through it but make sure your mouth doesn’t get close enough to let any bacteria escape from your mouth into your filter.

What Are The Benefits Of Gravity Filters?

Here are some of the benefits of gravity filters:

• They’re very easy to use: Not only that, but they’re extremely convenient and don’t take up much room. A great thing about them is, you’ll be able to drink directly from its spout which has a special kind of filter attached in between the lid and the container itself. Just make sure there aren’t any cracks or chips on it before drinking from it.
• They filter fast: Although this also depends on how dirty your water supply is or if you have a bigger size available to use, compared with other types of water filters out there, gravity ones work quickly because all you have to do is hold it under a stream of water and voila!
• They’re easy to clean: Besides the fact that they have special microfiber material most of them, most gravity filters are also very easy to clean with just simple soap and warm water. In some cases though, you might need back flushing it if it clogs up too much so it’s best to do this after using it for a while first before disassembling it completely. After cleaning though, remember to keep it away from UV light as well as heat because this will damage its ability to work properly and can deactivate the filter itself.
• It’s lightweight and portable: This is probably one of the biggest reasons why more people prefer it over other types of water filters. Just like any other type of water filter, it comes with its carrying bag or container so you can easily put it away in your backpack without having to worry about anything getting broken or damaged when moving around. You don’t have to carry any extra bottles for this either because the main one is already part of the package.

What Are The Disadvantages Of Gravity Filters?

Aside from the things mentioned above, there are really no disadvantages to owning one of these. Some people might say that they need constant maintenance but in reality, it’s not true at all! Unlike other types of water filters out there, gravity ones are very easy to maintain and clean. It only takes a few minutes of your time then you’re good to go! However, if you don’t properly clean them then this will affect their ability to work properly so always remember that when using them!

Another thing is it won’t filter pond or river water with algae .- Algae can be harmful to humans so what I usually do whenever I’m in an area where it’s filled up with too many algae is use my Sawyer Mini Filter for that instead. The only reason I use the gravity one though is that you can fill it up to several liters so this will save me more time in the long run.

Do Gravity Filters Remove Beneficial Minerals?

A lot of people have been wondering about this lately so I’m hoping my answer will be able to help most of you. The thing with gravity filters is that since it creates a filtration process, most of them do remove some minerals from the water you’re drinking from. In most cases, there’ll still be enough for your body to absorb though but just keep in mind that just because it filters out harmful bacteria doesn’t mean it’ll always get rid of everything bad! Gravity filters are undoubtedly one of the best options when it comes to finding a method for clean and safe drinking water during an emergency situation or survival trip.

Can Gravity Filters Remove Chloramine?

While chlorine can easily be removed by most gravity filters, this isn’t the case when it comes to chloramine. Chlorine and ammonia are normally combined in order to convert into chloramine then added to tap water which is the main reason why DIY water treatment kits aren’t able to completely get rid of them.

How Do You Make A Gravity Water Filter?

Here are the things you’re going to need for this:

•          A clean water container with lid – This is fairly self explanatory. You’ll need some sort of sealable container so that when you fill it up, all its impurities or dirt will stay at the bottom while your drinking water stays on top of it. Make sure though, not to use any metal containers because these won’t work properly with them. Plastic works best but can also affect the taste but if you don’t mind it then go ahead and use one like that instead.
•          Sterile cotton pads – These come in very handy especially when backflushing your filter because if done improperly, using anything else besides these will produce nasty tasting water after a while.
•          A One-way valve – This kind of filter usually comes with it already but if your other one doesn’t have this, you might want to get one yourself as well. What this does is, it prevent dirty water from going back into your container so all the dirt and impurities will stay at the bottom instead. In some cases though, its best that you only fill up your container just enough for what you need because if you fill it up too much then there’s a big chance that some of those nasty germs will escape from the bottom and go right back into the top part where they’ll contaminate your drinking water again.

Guideline for make a gravity filter:

•          First, get a bag or container you can use to carry the water: Choose one that has a longer strap so it’ll be easier for you to carry around. Though if you have a bigger sized gravity filter available, then the container’s already part of its package so this step is already taken care of.
•          Next, find a location where water comes out of the ground and doesn’t taste too bad: It’d be best if there are no sewers or factories nearby or from any other possible contaminants that may cross into your drinking source because this will negatively affect the flavor of your drink as well as potentially make you sick afterwards. If anything at all, look for a place with slow flowing water so there’s less chance for anything bad to contaminate it.
•          Now, give the container a good shake to remove all the air bubbles trapped inside: This will also release any dirt or debris stuck on its bottom because otherwise, they might be released into your drink once you start filtering it out. If possible, try shaking it near the stream itself then watch as water flows through its spout and fills up the main bag or container with clean drinking water. You can also suck directly from the spout piece if need be but make sure your mouth doesn’t get too close to where bacteria comes out of your filter because this could potentially ruin your day!
•          After that, hold it under a stream of water from your stream or river of choice until its reservoir is full: Remember to hold it against the current of the water flow so you’ll feel less strained when doing this chore. After a couple minutes, get off from where you’re kneeling and get back to your bag or container then open up its valve so water will start flowing out into the main container you have with you.
•          Once everything’s done, enjoy drinking clean and healthy drinking water that comes straight from nature itself!

How Does A Gravity Water Filter Work?

It works by using gravity as its main force so it won’t take up too effort from anyone who wants to use it.

It also uses the same water-to-water contact that’s visible on their counterparts – the ceramic or carbon filters. As long as there are impurities within the water supply, they will be removed by passing through its layers of materials until you get to drink pure, unadulterated H2O.

Depending on where you bought your product, it can come with a built-in carrying strap for easier transportation so users can take it around wherever they go. They’ll definitely have peace of mind knowing that they won’t have any problems drinking clean and fresh water regardless of how far away from civilization they are. Who Should Use A Gravity Water Filter? Any camper who doesn’t want too much fuss when setting up camp should go for this kind of water filter. It’s easy to use and because it uses gravity, anyone can do it without having any prior knowledge on how these kinds of filters work. For those who are looking for something that doesn’t take up too much space then the compact design should be enough.

Will A Gravity Water Filter Soften Water?

No, it will not. Bad tasting water usually has a high level of TDS but gravity filters only remove contaminants from the water so it won’t help at all with taste. A great way to fix bad tasting drinking water though is by boiling them until TDS levels are low or using chlorine tablets, filter straws or some other types of chemical purifiers for this instead.

What Are The Different Types Of Gravity Water Filters?

There are different types of gravity filters out there so here are some of them for you to see:

•          Bucket Type – This type is usually made up of cloth, plastic or any other similar material. It consists of a clean container that holds the water while another container below it catches all the dirt and impurities that will then go into your drinking vessel.
•          Barrel And Pail Type – The water flows down from the top part where it’s filled up, goes through a spigot before draining into another container right next to it. It has an upper bucket which contains debris while its lower one collects clean drinking water after filtering everything out.
•          Bottle And Canister Type – These types are often used by people who would like to filter their water while on the go. It’s quite small and fits into almost any type of backpack or even your pocket!

Can A Gravity Filter Reduce Total Dissolved Solids?

Many people out there say that you can’t reduce total dissolved solids using a gravity water filter but this is actually not true at all. In fact, if you use the right type of filter then yes, it will definitely be able to do so!

One popular one out there is called as white charcoal and as the name suggests, it looks exactly like coal. In fact, due to its ability to reduce total dissolved solids (TDS), it’s also often used by aquarium owners so if you want crystal clear drinking water running through your kitchen faucet every day then go for this instead.

Are Gravity Based Water Purifiers Good?

Yes, gravity-based water purifiers are very good indeed and what’s even better is, they’re also really affordable to buy so beginners and novices alike can easily get their hands on them! They might not be as effective as other types of filters out there but this doesn’t mean that they’re useless at all. I’ve been using mine for over five years now and the only reason why I keep replacing it with newer ones is because I want a newer model after seeing something really cool in the market!

What Are Some Ways To Help Your Gravity Filter Last Longer?

Make sure to follow some simple steps in order for your gravity filter to stay in good condition for as long as possible:

•          You should always make sure to clean and dry your water filter before you store it away: To properly clean it, just rinse off any contaminants that may be stuck on its surface with a little bit of soap and make sure to thoroughly wash it as well as dry it completely as much as possible.
•          Keep it in a dark and cool place away from direct sunlight: Ultraviolet light damages plastic materials so try to keep them hidden from those types of light whenever you can. This will help lengthen the lifespan of your water filter and can even extend its usage for years to come!
•          It’s best if you only use filtered water when doing this chore because otherwise, cleaning might become harder than usual: If there is dirt or debris on the surface of your gravity filter, you can easily avoid it by using a soft cloth to rub it off.
•          Do this regularly to help prevent mold or any other type of fungus that might come in contact with your gravity filter: It’s not much but every bit counts when trying to keep your life-saving survival tool in tip top condition!